Specialist Autism Centre Colburn

Maria Mallaband Care Group

We have recently secured planning permission for a new state of the art autism centre in Colburn for the Maria Mallaband Care Group. The proposal will provide 24 apartments and associated facilities for adults with autistic spectrum disorders with associated complex needs and Asperger syndrome.

We led the project team in negotiations with the local planning authority and took a key role in informing the overall design approach.

The proposal was submitted following a successful public consultation event which was coordinated by AKA. Although specialist care facilities of this nature are often contentious we were delighted to receive unanimous support from the local ward councillors and, notwithstanding significant local interest, there was not a single objection to the subsequent planning application.

The scheme was highly praised by Members at the Planning Committee, both for the local community and employment benefits of the scheme, as well as being a good practice example of local community engagement.